Brooklyn Libraries To Restore Most Pre-Pandemic Services In July

BROOKLYN, NY — All Brooklynites will be able to browse books and sit inside their local library branch for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic starting next month, library officials announced.

The city's three public library systems—The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library and Queens Public Library — aim to restore most of their pre-pandemic services in July, including unlimited browsing, seating, computer use and indoor programs and classes.

In Brooklyn, the reopening will start by adding expanded services, including first-floor browsing and indoor seating, to 14 libraries on Monday.

"This is a significant milestone in our city's recovery," BPL President Linda E. Johnson said. "Once again, public libraries, the most democratic spaces in our society, will be filled with people reading and connecting with one another."

Monday's expansion will mean that patrons, with masks, can browse the collections on the first floor, access computers and printing, sign up for library cards, pick up holds and return materials at all of the borough's branches that are not under construction or being used by the city, officials said.

The library first opened expanded services at 13 locations in May.

By July 2, all branches in the borough will also offer indoor seating.

Then, by July 17, patrons will be allowed to access all building floors, including the new Business and Career Center at Central Library. The expansion will also come with new hours at the libraries: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 1 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

The library will continue to offer its outdoor programs during warm weather and the virtual library programs it set up during the pandemic will still be in place.